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By Miriam Raftery
Photo by Robert Gehr: skid marks where suspect’s vehicle drove onto sidewalk outside SDPD headquarters, moments before the deadly incident.
December 21, 2024 (El Cajon) – The individual who was shot and killed by El Cajon Police officers on December 11 has been identified as 24-year-old Benjamin Grube. Earlier reports had listed the suspect as a woman.
However, Grube had undergone a gender identity change and legally changed his name, which was formerly Andrea Elizabeth Grube.
During preparations for a retirement ceremony for a retiring police captain outside the ECPD headquarters, Grube reportedly drove a black Toyota pickup truck into a police officer, then tried to ram a second officer. Multiple officers then fired at the truck, striking the suspect who was hospitalized and later died.
One officer was also taken to a hospital with injuries. Asked about his condition, Lieutenant Nick Sprecco told ECM the wounded officer is out of the hospital but that “he’s pretty banged up.” However, he adds, “This could’ve been much worse.”
San Diego Police Department is investigating the incident, as is protocol for all officer-involved shootings countywide in law enforcement agencies other than SDPD.
The incident was witnessed by numerous city staff members as well as police personnel.
Counseling has been offered to any employees in need after witnessing the injury to the police officer and the fatal shooting of Grube, a city representative has confirmed.
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